Ukraine: The Latest

Day 1,349.Today, as reports emerge that General Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, travelled to the embattled frontline city of Pokrovsk, we sit down with former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who led the alliance in the first years of the full-scale invasion. We also speak with Norwegian filmmaker Tommy Gulliksen about his powerful new documentary Facing War – which takes viewers inside the rooms where Stoltenberg and world leaders made pivotal decisions that shaped the course of the conflict.ContributorsFrancis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to former NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg. @jensstoltenbergdocumentary on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about ‘Facing War’ - new film about Jens Stoltenberg by Tommy Gulliksen:https://m.imdb.com/title/tt35671816/ Ukraine special forces launch helicopter raid to stop Russian encirclement (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/ukraine-special-forces-helicopter-assault-pokrovsk/ Draft dodger who jumped from moving train faces deportation to Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/01/draft-dodger-who-jumped-moving-train-deportation-russia/ Russia deploys 170,000 troops in battle for Pokrovsk (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/31/russia-deploys-170000-troops-battle-pokrovsk/ ‘How to Negotiate with Putin’ by Robert Person (Journal of Democracy):https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/online-exclusive/how-to-negotiate-with-putin/ Zelensky Is Winning Trump Voters Over (Wall Street Journal):https://www.wsj.com/opinion/zelensky-is-winning-trump-voters-over-72d5f6c1?reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,346.Today, as Ukrainian forces hang on in Pokrovsk, we discuss more reports coming out of the city of Russian troops fighting in civilian clothes – a clear war crime. Plus, we hear about Ukraine’s latest long range strikes inside Russia and look at a worrying message from the International Atomic Energy Agency that accuses Moscow of targeting three of Ukraine's nuclear power plants. Later, we hear how a Ukrainian opera lost for 250 years premiered earlier this month in Chernivtsi, accompanied by the sound of air alerts.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon X.With thanks to Nataliya Lukyanova and James ButterwickSIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Russian soldiers disguised in civilian clothes infiltrating front-line city (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/08/13/russian-soldiers-disguised-civilian-clothing-infiltrating/Poland, Hungary and Slovakia defy Brussels as Ukraine trade deal takes effect (POLITICO)https://www.politico.eu/article/poland-hungary-and-slovakia-defy-brussels-as-ukraine-trade-deal-takes-effect/Trump-Vladimir Putin Budapest summit axed following Moscow memo (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/d6655fb1-31af-4da8-85f7-085a8fc00969Hungary’s foot-dragging on Russian oil crashes into realityhttps://www.politico.eu/article/hungary-foot-dragging-russian-oil-crashes-reality-croatia-sanction/ LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,345.Today, as Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet in South Korea, we ask whether Ukraine can ever expect China to face real consequences for its support of Russia throughout the war. We also examine Vladimir Putin’s ongoing air campaign to cripple Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – including last night’s major assault – and bring you the latest stories from inside the Russian Federation, from renewed public protests to fresh signs of deepening economic stagnation.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon X.James Kilner (former Foreign Correspondent). @jkjourno on X.SIGN UP TO THE NEW ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:https://secure.telegraph.co.uk/customer/secure/newsletter/ukraine/  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.WATCH OUR SPECIAL LIVE EPISODEFrancis’s Interview with Serhii Plokhy on the nuclear arms race:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmcJqyD8eXsApple: https://shorturl.at/Hq3la Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oSVN1czV0hqnvi0fAomea CONTENT REFERENCED:Trump orders Pentagon to ‘immediately’ start testing nuclear weapons (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/30/trump-nuclear-weapons-testing-russia-poseidon-drone/ Donald Trump claims victory after ‘amazing’ trade talks with Xi Jinping (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/30/trump-xi-meeting-south-korea-trade-war/ Geert Wilders’ Dutch PM hopes in tatters (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/29/geert-wilders-hopes-of-becoming-dutch-pm-in-tatters/ Exploding Shahed drone toys sold to Russian children (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/30/exploding-toy-replicas-of-drones-sold-to-children-russia/ Ukraine is bracing for the harshest winter since 2022 (Tomorrow’s Affairs):https://tomorrowsaffairs.com/ukraine-is-bracing-for-the-harshest-winter-since-2022 Red hands and pig heads: Russia’s plan to destabilize France goes on trial (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/red-hands-and-pig-heads-russias-plan-to-destabilize-france-goes-on-trial/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,344.Today, as the situation around the frontline city of Pokrovsk continues to worsen, we examine Ukraine’s latest wave of deep strikes targeting Russia’s military infrastructure. Then we turn to Brussels, where frustration mounts after European nations failed to agree on how to unlock frozen Russian assets to support Kyiv’s war effort. Then we hear about the motorway some believe could save NATO from Vladimir Putin’s aggression.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on X.David Blair (Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator). @davidblairdt on X.WATCH OUR SPECIAL LIVE EPISODELink here: https://youtu.be/Mw_lWhp-flUQuestions from the audience are answered in the podcast version, below:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-putin-could-strike-london-in-90-minutes-russias/id1612424182?i=1000733450202 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DKehIQCz24eKK73xjP2e8 Content Referenced:Battle Lines: Global Health Security episode on bioweapons:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/battle-lines-global-health-security-podcast/ The motorway that could save Nato from Putin’s aggression (David Blair in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/27/motorway-save-nato-putin-aggression/ US to Remove Brigade From Romania, Sources Tell Kyiv Post (Kyiv Post):https://www.kyivpost.com/post/63159 U.S. intelligence agencies see no sign Russia is ready to compromise on Ukraine (NBC):https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/us-intelligence-agencies-see-no-sign-russia-ready-compromise-ukraine-rcna239645 A Russian Ka-52 helicopter shot down by "friendly fire” (The Insider):https://theins.ru/news/286277  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,343.Today, as the fierce battle for Pokrovsk rages on – with Russian troops now inside the city and 15 armoured vehicles destroyed on its outskirts – we report on the dramatic destruction of a dam in Russia that has cut off Moscow’s forces inside Ukraine. Later, we speak to one of the leading architects behind the Western initiative to seize $300 billion in frozen Russian state assets, exploring how close this unprecedented move is to becoming reality – and what it could mean for the future of the war.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to campaigner, journalist and entrepreneur Hugo Dixon.WATCH OUR SPECIAL LIVE EPISODELink here: https://youtu.be/Mw_lWhp-flUQuestions from the audience are answered in the podcast version, below:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-putin-could-strike-london-in-90-minutes-russias/id1612424182?i=1000733450202 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DKehIQCz24eKK73xjP2e8 Content Referenced:Ukraine floods Russian troops in dam strike (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/27/russian-troops-cut-off-flooding-ukraine-hits-belgorod-dam/ Inside Ukraine’s fortress belt, where Nato doctrine no longer applies (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/27/trump-freeze-frontlines-trouble-ukraine/ Western drones are underwhelming on the Ukrainian battlefield (The Economist):https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/10/23/western-drones-are-underwhelming-on-the-ukrainian-battlefield Russian army committing murder in Ukraine: Independent rights commission (UN report):https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/iicihr-ukraine/reports/report-independent-international-commission-inquiry-ukraine-un-general-assembly-a80497Kyiv wants to cash in on OnlyFans creators’ unpaid taxes. There’s just one problem: making porn is illegal in Ukraine (Meduza):https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/10/08/turning-me-into-a-criminal Ukraine's OnlyFans Paradox: Tax the Sin, Punish the Sinner (Iuliia Mendel’s Substack):https://iuliiamendel.substack.com/p/ukraines-onlyfans-paradox-tax-the  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,342.Today, after a weekend of Russian bombardments on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities – with fires killing multiple civilians – we examine Moscow’s failed diplomatic bid to block Donald Trump’s latest sanctions on Russian energy. Then we consider how Vladimir Putin’s unveiling of a “next-generation” cruise missile reveals growing unease in the Kremlin. Later, we sit down with Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy, to discuss the Cold War arms race, and how Kyiv could have retained nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union.Please note this episode features distressing recordings from the bombardment on Kyiv, including sounds of incoming drones.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Ukrainian historian Serhii Plokhy. @SPlokhy on X.WATCH OUR SPECIAL LIVE EPISODELink here: https://youtu.be/Mw_lWhp-flUQuestions from the audience are answered in the podcast version, below:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-putin-could-strike-london-in-90-minutes-russias/id1612424182?i=1000733450202 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7DKehIQCz24eKK73xjP2e8 LINKSSerhii Plokhy’s new book, ‘The Nuclear Age: An Epic Race for Arms, Power and Survival’:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nuclear-Age-Epic-Power-Survival/dp/0241582865 ‘Will I die?’ Moment nursery children rescued after Russian strike (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/25/will-i-die-moment-nursery-children-rescued-russian-strike/ Russia’s latest attempt to woo the US reeks of desperation (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/27/kirill-dmitriev-russia-donald-trump-marco-rubio-putin/ Russians circling around Trump to sway his mind, warns key ally (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/25/russians-circling-around-trump-to-sway-his-mind-key-ally/ At least 250 Russians in Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops walk 10-15 km to reach positions (Ukrainska Pravda):https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/10/24/8004333/ Europe’s Plan B for Ukraine (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/newsletter/brussels-playbook/Europes-Plan-B-for-Ukraine/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live episode recorded at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, we take stock of the war as it grinds into its fourth calendar year. Joined by General Sir Richard Barrons – former head of UK Joint Forces Command and co-author of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review – and Orysia Lutsevych OBE – head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House – hosts Dom Nicholls, Francis Dearnley, and Adélie Pojzman-Pontay debate the state of the conflict, Donald Trump’s renewed deadlines and ultimatums, and why Vladimir Putin shows no sign of negotiating peace in good faith.Then we take questions from the audience.As bombs continue to devastate Ukrainian cities and Europe’s “Coalition of the Willing” struggles for credibility, we ask: where next for the war and for European security? With the post-1945 security order collapsing, this timely discussion helps make sense of a shifting geopolitical era – and considers the challenges facing Western societies and reserve forces, such as the Honourable Artillery Company, in the years ahead.You can also watch this episode on The Telegraph YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/Mw_lWhp-flU SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,339.Today, as President Zelensky meets the Coalition of the Willing in London, we discuss the shock felt in Brussels after European countries failed to come to a deal on the use of frozen Russian assets. We also hear the latest updates on the Ukrainian resistance, and Francis reports not from the frontline but the front row, as he attends a Ukrainian fashion show.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjzon X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Illia Riepin and the Estonian Embassy of London.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Francis’s Article on Ukrainian Fashion:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/people/ukraine-fashion-show-london-war-francis-dearnley/ EU’s €140bn Ukraine loan plan derailed (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/24/belgium-derails-european-union-plans-ukraine-loan/LISTEN TO THIS PODCAST IN NEW LANGUAGES:The Telegraph has launched translated versions of Ukraine: The Latest in Ukrainian and Russian, making its reporting accessible to audiences on both sides of the battle lines and across the wider region, including Central Asia and the Caucasus. Just search Україна: Останні Новини (Ukr) and Украина: Последние Новости (Ru) on your on your preferred podcast app to find them. Listen here: https://linktr.ee/ukrainethelatestSubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,338.Today, as Donald Trump unveils sweeping new sanctions on Russia’s energy giants, we analyse what recent developments reveal about the shifting power dynamics between Moscow and Washington. We also investigate an alleged Russian war crime in Donetsk and what it exposes about the brutal nature of the fighting there, before exploring why NATO nations continue to pour vast resources into tank production and modernisation.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Memphis Barker (Senior Foreign Correspondent). @memphisbarker on X.Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and former Tank Commander). @hamishdbg on X.SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Trump’s sanctions put him on a warpath with Russia, says Medvedev (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/22/trump-russia-oil-sanctions-putin/ Bodies strewn across Pokrovsk reveal horror of Russian war crimes (Memphis Barker in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/22/bodies-strewn-pokrovsk-horror-russian-war-crimes-ukraine/ The man with the worst job in Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/23/man-with-worst-job-in-ukraine/ Russian commander ordered troops to shoot Ukrainian civilians near Pokrovsk, radio intercept suggests (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russian-commander-ordered-troops-to-kill-civilians-in-pokrovsk-hur-intercepted-call-says/ U.S. Lifts Key Restriction on Ukraine’s Use of European Long-Range Missiles (Wall Street Journal):https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/u-s-lifts-key-restriction-on-ukraines-use-of-western-long-range-missiles-5a15c12d?mod=author_content_page_1_pos_1 How tanks are evolving in Ukraine (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/09/08/world/europe/ukraine-russia-war-drones-tanks-military.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,337.Today, after Vladimir Putin defied Donald Trump to wreck the proposed Budapest peace talks, we report how overnight attacks ended with children having to be evacuated from a burning kindergarten in Kharkiv after it was hit in a Russian drone strike. Plus, British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles hit their targets in Russia and, later, we hear about how for civilians in Ukraine, learning the specific sound of drones can be a matter of life or death… and how their buzzing can stay with survivors a long time after the attack.Please note, this episode features real sounds of drones from the frontline.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Kieran Kelly (Foreign Reporter).SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Putin defies Trump to wreck Ukraine peace talks (Connor Stringer and Joe Barnes in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/21/trump-no-longer-plans-meet-putin-hungary Ukraine strikes Russia with British Storm Shadow missiles (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/22/british-storm-shadow-missiles-strike-russia-chemical-plant/ Germany wants to use Iceland as a logistics base for the Navy (Hartpunkt):https://www.hartpunkt.de/pistorius-sieht-island-als-logistik-basis-fuer-die-marine/ Europe and Ukraine Prepare 12-Point Proposal to End Russia’s War, Bloomberghttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-21/europe-and-ukraine-prepare-12-point-proposal-to-end-russia-s-warRussia’s Lvova-Belova Admits to Kidnapping Ukrainian Orphan to Russia Despite His Resistancehttps://united24media.com/latest-news/russias-lvova-belova-admits-to-kidnapping-ukrainian-orphan-to-russia-despite-his-resistance-12679The War of Sound, The Telegraphhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/The-War-of-Sound/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,336.Today, amid growing signs the planned Trump-Putin summit in Hungary is already in jeopardy, we assess a breakthrough in Europe that could see finally frozen Russian state assets loaned to Ukraine. Then we uncover disturbing accounts revealing the dire state of Russia’s armed forces, and bring you the latest stories from Moscow as the economy continues to display signs of fracture.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Verity Bowman (Reporter). @VerityBowman on X.James Kilner (Former Telegraph Russia Correspondant). @jkjourno on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveCONTENT REFERENCED:Putin ‘should only be allowed to travel to Hungary if he agrees to a ceasefire’ (The Telegraph): https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/20/putin-travel-hungary-if-he-agrees-ceasefire-russia-ukraine/How Putin could reach Hungary peace summit without being shot down or arrested (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/17/putin-route-to-budapest-summit/ Trapped on the Dnipro, Putin’s troops tried to flee by boat — and were blown apart (Verity Bowman in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/21/russia-putin-dnipro-river-troops-boat-ukraine/Russian troops handcuffed to trees and left for dead after defying orders (Verity Bowman in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/17/russian-troops-handcuffed-left-for-dead-refusing-orders/ Putin sends squads of sick soldiers into Pokrovsk ‘meat grinder’ (Verity Bowman in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/putin-sends-squads-of-sick-soldiers-into-pokrovsk-meat-grin/ EU closes in on deal to use Russian frozen assets to fund Ukraine (POLITICO):https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-deal-russian-frozen-assets-ukraine-loan-belgium/ US is stalling on G7 plan over Russian assets (Bloomberg):https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-20/us-is-stalling-on-g-7-plan-to-expand-use-of-russian-assets Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,335.Today, as the world digests the outcome of the White House meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky, we examine why the lack of progress on Tomahawk missiles caught many observers off guard. We also explore the significance – if any – of Trump’s planned talks with Vladimir Putin in Budapest, widely seen as part of the Kremlin’s strategy to stall for time. Plus, we report on another slow weekend at the front, continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil and gas facilities, and hear from a leading professor on what it would take to achieve a genuine breakthrough in peace negotiations.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Professor Robert Person (Non-Resident Senior Fellow in the Foreign Policy Research Institute's Eurasia Program). @RTPerson3 on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveCONTENT REFERENCED:Zelensky offers Trump drones for Tomahawks (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/17/zelenksy-meets-trump-white-house-live-updates/ Trump envoy pushes Ukraine to surrender Donetsk to Russia (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/19/trump-envoy-pushes-ukraine-donetsk-russia-war-peace-witkoff/ Pete Hegseth’s tie causes diplomatic spat (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/19/pete-hegseth-tie-causes-diplomatic-spat/ Trump tells Ukraine: Accept Putin’s demands ‘or be destroyed’ (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/19/trump-tells-ukraine-accept-putin-demands-or-be-destroyed/ Ukraine’s most prestigious military units are run like businesses: (The Economist): https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/10/14/ukraines-most-prestigious-military-units-are-run-like-businesses?utm_campaign=shared_article  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,332.Today, as President Zelensky meets Donald Trump at the White House, we unpack Vladimir Putin’s emergency – if predictable – intervention: an unscheduled call with the US President that may have derailed Kyiv’s hopes of securing Tomahawk missiles. Then, in a special cultural dispatch, we dive into the world of Ukrainian classical music.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Hobart Earle, Music Director and Principal Conductor of the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Francis’s Odesa Documentary featuring Hobart Earle:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM ‘Animals in war’ winners, suggested by listeners:https://x.com/FrancisDearnley/status/1978856072648499329 Trump to meet Putin in Hungary (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/16/trump-holds-phone-call-putin-tomahawks/ Trump meeting Putin in Budapest is blow to Europe (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/16/trump-meeting-putin-budapest-blow-europe-hungary-orban/ North Korean troops helping to direct Russian strikes into Ukraine (Kyiv Independent):https://kyivindependent.com/russia-now-using-north-korean-troops-to-attack-inside-of-ukraine-general-staff/?mc_cid=ccbf455194&mc_eid=08d0680a95 How Vladimir Putin’s history rant in Alaska nudged Donald Trump closer to Ukraine (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/7af3b49e-c4da-405b-8199-3e12957b78c2  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,331.Today, as President Zelensky heads to Washington for another high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump, we break down the latest from the frontlines as NATO vows to ramp up its military support for Ukraine. We also examine a rare protest in St Petersburg calling for Vladimir Putin’s death, explore how recent drone incursions are reshaping German attitudes toward the war, and ask why Syria’s president – once a sworn enemy of the Kremlin – has now met the Russian President in Moscow.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.James Rothwell (Berlin Correspondant). @JamesERothwell on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Crowds in St Petersburg sing about overthrowing Putin (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/15/crowds-sing-banned-song-overthrowing-putin-st-petersburg/ Trump plans victory fund for Ukraine (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/15/trump-plans-victory-fund-for-ukraine/ Ukraine Is Starving Russia of Oil (Michael Bohnert in The Wall Street Journal):https://www.wsj.com/opinion/ukraine-is-starving-russia-of-oil-de6ca866 Russia Isn’t Done With Syria (Hanna Notte in Foreign Affairs):https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/russia-isnt-done-syria Antoni Lallican, photojournalist killed in Ukraine, was 'insatiably curious and truly interested in others' (Le Monde):https://www.lemonde.fr/en/obituaries/article/2025/10/07/antoni-lallican-a-french-photojournalist-killed-in-ukraine-was-insatiably-curious-and-truly-interested-in-others_6746169_15.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,330.Today, as NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels with the US representative to NATO warning Russia of “consequences” if the Kremlin doesn’t move towards a peace agreement, we report how Mexican and Colombian drug cartels have infiltrated the Ukrainian military to learn how to fly kamikaze drones. Plus we take a deep dive into the current political crisis in France and examine what impact it could have on the war. Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Special thanks to our guest Colin Freeman. @colinfreeman99 on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:UDCG Livestream Press conference Livestream info on NATO website: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/events_67375.htmMexican and Colombian drug cartels infiltrate Ukrainian militaryhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/14/drug-cartels-learn-modern-warfare-ukrainian-front-lines/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,329.Today, as Donald Trump vows to harness the momentum of the Gaza ceasefire to bring peace to Ukraine, we examine global reaction – or the striking silence – after a UN convoy was attacked by Russian forces. Then we assess reports of a possible chemical weapons attack in Donetsk and take a deep dive into stories emerging from inside Russia – revealing the cracks in its economy and the growing strains within its society.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Hamish de Bretton-Gordon (Chemical Weapons Expert and Former Tank Commander). @hamishdbg on X.James Kilner (Former Telegraph Russia Correspondant). @jkjourno on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveSIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Trump: Now let’s end the Ukraine war (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/10/13/trump-threatens-putin-sending-tomahawks/Frontline report: Ukraine’s kill zone takes shape in Sumy Oblast—Russians trapped in Yunakivka say hope is gone (Euromaidan):https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/10/12/frontline-report-ukraines-kill-zone-takes-shape-in-sumy-oblast-russians-trapped-in-yunakivka-say-hope-is-gone/UN CONVOY CAME UNDER ATTACK WHILE DELIVERING AID TO A FRONT-LINE COMMUNITY IN THE KHERSON REGION (United Nations):https://ukraine.un.org/en/303211-un-convoy-came-under-attack-while-delivering-aid-front-line-community-kherson-region Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,328.Today, as we learn the Donald Trump administration has been sharing intelligence enabling Kyiv to strike at Russian energy facilities, we reflect on the likelihood that Tomahawk missiles are incoming, and the fallout from the US President not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Then we hear live from the country of Georgia, where protests continue and tensions remain high, before Francis ends with an appeal on a neglected subject: animals in war.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Marika Mikia-shvili (Foreign affairs, Droa Party - Georgia). @Mikiashvili_M on X.MORE TICKETS JUST RELEASED FOR 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October starting at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukrainelive SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Learn more about the Dickin Medal - the animals’ Victoria Cross:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/animal-awards-programme/pdsa-dickin-medal Trump gave specific intelligence to Ukraine for strikes on Russian energy (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/12/trump-shares-intelligence-ukraine-strike-russian-energy/ Putin: Trump’s too good for the Nobel Peace Prize (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/10/donald-trump-loses-out-on-nobel-peace-prize-2025/ Melania Trump: I convinced Putin to send Ukrainian children home (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2025/10/10/melania-trump-putin-children-families/ Senate Passes Bipartisan $925 Billion Defense Policy Bill (New York Times):https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/us/senate-passes-bipartisan-925-billion-defense-policy-bill.html  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,325.Today, after another wave of intense Russian bombardments, we explore what the Gaza ceasefire could mean for the war. Will it bring renewed international attention, or further distraction? Plus, we deliver our latest fortnightly update on resistance inside the occupied territories, and ask: how strong is America’s commitment to Europe’s defense now, with insights from one of the U.S. Army’s former top generals.Contributors:Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Dr. Jade McGlynn (War Studies Department of King's College). @DrJadeMcGlynn on X.With thanks to Lieutenant General (Retired) Ben Hodges (former commanding general of United States Army Europe). @general_ben on X.BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at: https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveThey are going fast, so don't delay!SIGN UP TO THE ‘UKRAINE: THE LATEST’ WEEKLY NEWSLETTER:http://telegraph.co.uk/ukrainenewsletter  Each week, Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley answer your questions, provide recommended reading, and give exclusive analysis and behind-the-scenes insights – plus maps of the frontlines and diagrams of weapons to complement our daily reporting. It’s free for everyone, including non-subscribers.CONTENT REFERENCED:Clip of Francis and Dom on Russian TV:https://x.com/FrancisDearnley/status/1976267739284279375?t=ew1_r1Jv5Pkwig8urg48ow&s=03 Putin is losing the war, so prepare for escalation (Ambrose Evans-Pritchard in The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2025/10/10/putin-is-losing-the-war-so-prepare-for-escalation/ China unveils sweeping rare-earth export controls to protect ‘national security’ (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/c4b2c5d9-c82f-401e-b763-bc9581019cb7?sharetype=blocked Russia's industrial titans furlough workers as its war economy stalls (Reuters):https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-industrial-titans-furlough-workers-its-war-economy-stalls-2025-10-09/ Ukrainian Icon Finds Safe Haven In Aldershot (UK Army):https://shorturl.at/bsIFs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,324.Today, Ukraine hits yet another pipeline and oil plant, while fuel shortage in Russia approaches 20 percent. Meanwhile, more than half of Ukraine's natural gas production capacity has been destroyed by Russian strikes. We also discuss the state of US-Russia relations and what will happen to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty when it expires. Finally Dom speaks with Benjamin Tallis about the use of AI in defence.Contributors:Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Journalist and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.With thanks to Ben Tallis of Helsing.BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveThey are going fast, so don't delay!CONTENT REFERENCED:Harvard Harris Poll:https://harvardharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HHP_Sep2025_KeyResults.pdf?fbclid=IwRlRTSANToABleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnA9xoXt2SpxYCCBdJuO4g1UGgT821G0bM4XTQX4lCD5fhcBSb0r7HRSOiHN_aem_-xXfOwXzlIzGw9Sm8ooWJASubscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Day 1,323Today, as Moscow tightens restrictions on gas sales and mobile networks amid Ukraine’s escalating campaign against Moscow’s oil industry, reports emerge that Russian workers are being told to halt operations as “preemptive measures” against drone attacks. We also discuss Dom and Francis’s appearance on Russian state TV, and speak with Australia’s military representative to NATO and the EU about the broader implications for the war.Contributors:Dominic Nicholls (Associate Editor of Defence). @DomNicholls on X.Francis Dearnley (Executive Editor for Audio). @FrancisDearnley on X.With thanks to Air Vice-Marshal Dianne Turton.BOOK NOW: 'UKRAINE: THE LATEST' LIVE, IN-PERSON:Join us for an in-person discussion and Q&A at the distinguished Honourable Artillery Company in London on 22nd October at 7pm.Our panel includes General Sir Richard Barrons, former head of UK Joint Forces Command and latterly one of the authors of Britain’s Strategic Defence Review, and Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank. Tickets are open to everybody and can be purchased at:https://www.squadup.com/events/ukraineliveThey are going fast, so don't delay!CONTENT REFERENCED:Francis and Dom’s Video Documentary on Odesa:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28HqbQLYGMM Kremlin’s anti-West propaganda film makes just £845 at box office (The Telegraph):https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/10/07/russian-propaganda-film-flops/ Chris O tweet on Russian recruitment:https://x.com/ChrisO_wiki/status/1975617573946585577 EU pressure builds on Belgium to allow use of Russia’s frozen assets (Financial Times):https://www.ft.com/content/6c2dace9-a3be-485a-bf79-59e361709764 Subscribe: telegraph.co.uk/ukrainethelatestEmail: ukrainepod@telegraph.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.